Alinde Fojtik Email & Phone Number

Athens, Georgia, United States

Athens, Ga

• Assembles and processes biological samples for influenza detection from live birds captured in collaboration with state/federal agencies. Submits detailed reports to maintain state scientific collecting permits. • Assesses and analyzes samples for avian influenza virus surveillance using virus isolation, hemagglutination assays (HA), RT-PCR, ELISA, and relevant procedures. Evaluates, characterizes, and summarizes virus prevalence and subtype diversity data. • Performs ELISAs on all blood samples while managing and maintaining a database of ELISA results. • Conducts husbandry and sample collection for live-animal experimental infection trials. • Fosters beneficial relationships with collaborators.

• Trained and supervised the Waterfowl Banding Technician and two interns • Captured and banded multiple species of waterfowl including: diving and dabbling ducks, Canada geese, common loons, and trumpeter swans using drive trapping, night lighting via airboat, and cannon netting• Located and monitored ring-necked duck nests, and trapped and fitted hens with a subcutaneous radio transmitter within 24-hours of projected hatch. Tracked and monitored hens and broods until fledging or depredation occurred • Determined exact locations of feeding lesser scaup (LESC) using compass points plotted in ArcMap to find sampling sites for Bithynia tentaculata. Collected snail samples to confirm presence of mortality-related trematodes. Collected any dead LESC to be sent for confirmation of trematodiasis